Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has ignited controversy by suggesting that Air India (and other airlines) impose a ₹5,000 additional fee per airport for wheelchair assistance. Her proposal comes in response to a viral video and reports alleging that some able-bodied passengers are abusing the free service to skip lines and get priority boarding.
What Sparked the Outcry
A viral clip circulating on social media showed a long line of passengers seated in wheelchairs being helped by airport staff. The original post — in Chinese and later translated — claimed that on some India–US routes, up to 80% of wheelchair users were not actually disabled.
Mazumdar-Shaw reshared the video on her X (formerly Twitter) handle and wrote:
“They should charge an additional ₹5,000 per airport … then they will see how many genuine passengers there are!”
Surge in Wheelchair Requests: Is It Real or Exploited?
- According to reports, Air India handles more than 1 lakh wheelchair bookings every month across its network.
- The spike is especially pronounced on long-haul routes (like to the US and UK), where many elderly passengers travel.
- Airport and airline staff allege that up to 50% of those requesting wheelchairs walk unaided immediately after security, suggesting possible misuse.
Safety & Operational Concerns
Aviation insiders warn that unchecked wheelchair bookings could create safety risks. In an emergency, cabin crew may struggle to help so many “wheelchair” passengers. Regulators like the DGCA are reportedly reviewing the situation and may step in with tighter guidelines.
Public Reaction: Mixed and Heated
Mazumdar-Shaw’s ₹5,000 fee idea has drawn sharp and divided reactions:
- Supporters argue it could deter abuse and reserve wheelchair services for the genuinely needy.
- Critics, however, warn it would penalize seniors, the non-English speaking, and less tech-savvy flyers who genuinely need assistance.
- Some propose verification systems (e.g., medical proof or digital checks) rather than blanket fees.
Bigger Picture: Accessibility vs Accountability
The debate isn’t just about money — it’s about access, dignity, and fairness. Wheelchair assistance is supposed to be a support system, not a status pass. But when misuse is alleged at scale, the genuine users are the ones who end up suffering.
Mazumdar-Shaw’s take may spark stricter policy scrutiny and possibly a regulatory rethink: How do airports and airlines balance compassion with accountability in a way that protects both service integrity and the rights of disabled or mobility-challenged passengers?
